museum

“Empanadas, wine, and cocktails launch at DOLCEZZA’s artistic shipping container at the Hirshhorn” Starting Tuesday!

By Prince Of Petworth


Independence Ave, SW &, 7th Street, SW

From an email:

“Artisan gelateria DOLCEZZA is teaming up with Flor. Coffee + Books for a tasty collaboration: handmade empanadas.

A Taste of Argentina

Starting Tuesday, June 2nd, three new varieties of handmade empanadas will be available at the DOLCEZZA artistic shipping container on the grounds of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. With the addition of Flor.’s empanadas, it’s now an ideal destination for a casual lunch, pre- or post-museum bite, midday snack, or happy hour drink.

A fitting collaboration between two Argentine-owned D.C. favorites, the empanadas join a lineup of current offerings at DOLCEZZA’s outdoor shipping container at the Hirshhorn, including canned wine, cocktails, beer, plus award-winning gelato served at one of D.C.’s most iconic summer settings. Menu highlights include: (more…)

National Building Museum Announces New Installation by Snarkitecture, THE PLAYGROUND, Opens July 3 in the Museum’s Great Hall

By Prince Of Petworth


“Rendering image of The Playground. credit: Snarkitecture Architecture”

From the National Building Museum:

“This summer, the National Building Museum invites visitors of all ages to rediscover the joy of play with THE PLAYGROUND, a monumental new installation created in collaboration with New York-based design firm Snarkitecture. Open July 3 through August 30, 2026, THE PLAYGROUND transforms the Museum’s iconic Great Hall into an immersive environment designed for climbing, building, exploring, gathering, and imaginative play. (more…)

In Happier National Mall News: Smithsonian Announces Summer Reopening of Two Iconic Landmarks – The Smithsonian Castle and the Arts and Industries Building!! Also, did I mention the Lobster Rolls?

By Prince Of Petworth


photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution

From the Smithsonian:

“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian will reopen two of its most iconic and historic buildings, inviting visitors to reconnect with familiar spaces and explore new stories about the American experience.

This summer, the Arts and Industries Building will reopen for regular public hours for the first time since 2004, marking a new chapter after years of use for special and temporary exhibitions and events. The Smithsonian Castle will also reopen to visitors following a closure for major renovations that began in 2023. These milestones build on the permanent return of the Smithsonian National Carousel, which resumed operation Friday, April 24, after an extensive restoration.

Together, these reopenings are part of “Our Shared Future: 250,” the Smithsonian’s multi‑year initiative commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial through exhibitions, programs and experiences that encourage reflection on America’s past and imagination of its future.

Smithsonian Castle (more…)

“National Geographic Museum of Exploration to Open on June 26, 2026 in Downtown DC”!!

By Prince Of Petworth

Exciting news from an email:

“The National Geographic Society will open the National Geographic Museum of Exploration at its global headquarters in downtown D.C. on June 26, featuring 100,000 square feet of new public space dedicated to inspiring the explorer in every visitor. Starting today, visitors can purchase presale tickets.

The Museum of Exploration features an unprecedented collection of immersive and educational experiences, all under one roof (more…)

“The National Portrait Gallery will celebrate art, identity and creativity with its Portraiture Festival”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Portrait Gallery:

“Portraiture Festival & Performance of “Forever Is a Feeling” by Moveius Contemporary Ballet

WHAT: Portraiture Festival & Performance of “Forever Is a Feeling” by Moveius Contemporary Ballet

WHEN: Saturday, March 14
Festival: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Performance: 3:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

WHERE: Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery—Kogod Courtyard
Eighth and G streets N.W.

The National Portrait Gallery will celebrate art, identity and creativity with its Portraiture Festival, a daylong event for all ages centered on “The Outwin 2025: American Portraiture Today.” This exhibition is the latest installment of the museum’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, held every three years to showcase the next wave of contemporary portraiture by artists from across the United States. (more…)

Ecstatic Art News: “The painting—widely considered to be one of the finest ever made by Gentileschi” acquired by NGA

By Prince Of Petworth


“Artemisia Gentileschi
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, c. 1625
oil on canvas
overall: 81 x 105 cm (31 7/8 x 41 5/16 in.)
National Gallery of Art, Gift of Funds from Nina J. Cohen in honor of her father Emanuel Cohen and Patrons’ Permanent Fund”

Some ecstatic art news to start the day from the National Gallery of Art:

“The National Gallery of Art today announced the acquisition of Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, a rare painting from circa 1625 by renowned Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–circa 1654). This is the first singular work by Gentileschi to enter the National Gallery’s collection. Its acquisition meaningfully expands the museum’s holdings of Italian Baroque paintings by adding a defining artwork by one of the 17th century’s most celebrated artists.

The painting will be on view beginning late February in gallery 29 on the main floor of the West Building. (more…)

“Catholic University Architecture Students Build Soaring Spaceframe in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall”

By Prince Of Petworth


rendering via National Building Museum

From the National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW):

“Architecture students from The Catholic University of America will build a massive floating spaceframe in the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., using sustainable materials and new technology that was designed in part by a student and professor at the University.

This new approach could revolutionize spaceframe design and construction to be more sustainable, efficient, flexible, and affordable. Spaceframes appear in everything from geodesic domes and long-span roofs to solar arrays, aerospace systems, stadiums, and entertainment venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas.

The Catholic University students will build The Wave, a soaring 180-by-55-foot, 4,300-pound recycled aluminum spaceframe in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall from Dec. 18 to 19, 2025. The completed installation will be on view from Dec. 27, 2025 through Feb. 8, 2026. (more…)

“The National Building Museum is delighted to welcome back the Winter Skate Spectacular”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Building Museum:

“This season, the National Building Museum is delighted to welcome back the Winter Skate Spectacular—returning for its second year in an even bigger, better, and brighter form.

This one of a kind, indoor synthetic ice-skating experience transforms the Museum’s Great Hall into a winter wonderland where visitors of all ages can skate beneath the soaring Corinthian columns. Events will include early hours for younger skaters, themed nights, festive snacks and drinks, and more!

From lively after-hours events for adults to joyful moments for families, there’s plenty to keep the spirit of the holidays alive well into the new year.

WHEN: (more…)

Alert, Alert, Alert – Zoo Reopens Saturday!! Plus More Museum Reopening Updates

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by LaTur

From the Smithsonian:

“Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are reopening on a rolling basis by Monday, Nov. 17. We look forward to seeing you! More info below.

Reopening on Friday, Nov. 14
National Museum of American History
National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African Art
National Museum of Asian Art
National Zoo

Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12 p.m. ET
National Museum of Natural History

All museums, with the exception of our National Museum of Natural History, are reopening at their regular times. Please note, museums will have limited food service offerings.”

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